West Goshen man allegedly stabs family's dogs

WEST GOSHEN — A 31-year-old man was charged with animal cruelty Monday after accusations that he attacked two pet dogs with a knife during an incident at his family home.

According to the West Goshen Police Department, Gregory Thomas McMahon was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant stemming from an incident on April 18. That evening, police said, patrol officers were called to a home in the 200 block of McKenzie Drive after receiving reports of an injured person. When they arrived, they were greeted with a bloody scene.

According to a criminal complaint filed by police, McMahon’s brother, Chris, called 911 around 5:44 p.m. and told operators that his brother had just hurt their dogs. He then said that he was bitten, and his brother Greg was stabbing the dogs with a kitchen knife.

When the officers arrived, they found a man standing in the driveway, covered in blood. They soon learned that he was McMahon’s father, Richard, and were told that Gregory McMahon had “lost it” and attacked the family’s pets.

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Gregory McMahon was found in the home’s living room, according to the complaint. He repeatedly told police that “he had to do it.” When asked why, he said God had made him. At that point, according to the complaint, McMahon was placed in handcuffs for officer safety.

Two badly injured American Bulldogs were discovered covered in blood. In the complaint, police said the dogs’ lacerations could be seen from the home’s living room while the dogs stood in the yard outside. Chris McMahon also had a bleeding wound on his leg, and his pajama pants were torn. Police later learned that injury was caused by a dog bite. Gregory McMahon also had a minor bite on his thigh, police said.

Members of the Good Fellowship Ambulance Company examined both brothers at the home. Chris was taken by ambulance to Chester County Hospital for treatment. Gregory McMahon insisted he was not hurt, so instead he was transported to the hospital in the back of a police car. While there, he received a mental health evaluation from Valley Creek Crisis counselors and was involuntarily committed. The next day he was taken to Brandywine Hospital for additional treatment. According to the complaint, McMahon remains a patient at Brandywine.

On Monday, Gregory McMahon was formally charged with cruelty to animals. He was allowed to remain free on unsecured bail.

Police said the dogs suffered life-threatening injuries and continue to receive treatment at the Chester County SPCA. Investigators said the SPCA will determine when and to whom the dogs are released.